James 1:2-4
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." NIV
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." KJV
Most of us complain or "endure the misery" when we are in times of great testing. Remember how the great Bible men looked at their time of trial as a blessing that brought them to the point where God did mighty works through them. God could not have used them if they had not gone through the trials. Like Moses being in the desert for 40 years to prepare him to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. Or Joseph, who sat forgotten in Potiphar's prison as God prepared him to rule Egypt bringing life saving food to the chosen ones. And the Apostle Paul, who counted it all joy to be imprisoned in Rome before his execution, because that is where he wrote most of his letters that we read today. They build us up and lead us to a deeper walk with God. We don't know what they were thinking at the time, but after it all, they glorified God for using those horrible, painful times to do eternal work for the Lord.
Heavenly Father, most of the time we have no idea why we are going through trials. If we are Your children, we can take comfort and joy in knowing that You will use it to prepare us for great and mighty things. Help us to remember that always. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Daily Grace
Bobbi Craigmyle, Psy.D., BCPCC
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